“Don’t worry I’ll be back.” He said with a bright smile, light blond hair rustling in the wind, slight stubble on his chin. His shimmering blue eyes reflecting in hers. “How do you know?” The
little girl questioned, standing on her toes. A single tear fell down her cheek. He wiped it away with a finger, bumping the wooden glasses on her face. “April, have I ever lied to you?” He said,
crouching down trying to comfort her. Shaking her head, she sniffled holding back tears, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. He put his hand on her head, petting her smooth black hair. “What
if you don’t come back? What would I do without you?” April sobbed. He sighed, running his hand over her pigtails. He took her small hand in his, her other still wiping away tears. “Don’t cry. I
wont be able to go if you cry.” He said. She gripped her dress front, bunching up the flowered pattern fabric.

“I can’t stop. Brother will be gone for a long time.” She sobbed. She hugged his neck and continued to cry. Still crouching he hugged the seven year old, sighing. “You need to be strong and help
mama.” He said calmly. He lifted her up and supported her with his arms as she clung to his neck. “Here, lets make a promise.” He proposed. She let go and he put her down. He took off his military
cap and placed it on her head. “Take good care of the house and bakery while I’m gone.” The hat was far to big for her and flopped to one side. She reached into her pocket. “Take this.” She said
handing him a small pink stuffed rabbit she had hand sewn. He took it and with one last smile he said his final good-bye, kissing her forehead. Swinging his bag over his shoulder, he walked towards
the jeep waiting for him. His clothes matching the sickly green paint, he put the green jacket over his shirt resigning to his new life. He stepped onto the back and waved his last good-bye to her
and the house he grew up in. “Bye bye brother!” April shouted as the jeep drove away. A man wearing an identical uniform looked at him. “You Alec?” He questioned. Alec nodded. “Who the little
girl?” “What I’m fighting for.” Alec said holding the rabbit in his hands. ***